There are numerous issues plaguing the 2023 Green Bay Packers. Surprisingly, some aspects are positive, while others are undeniably negative. In fact, one might even say they are downright frightening. In the spirit of Halloween, let’s explore my top five scary facts about the 2023 Packers.
Top Five: Number Five
Number five on the list is the issue of injuries. The 2023 season has been marred by a slew of injuries that have had a lasting impact on the Green Bay Packers. The team’s injury report has consistently been quite extensive throughout the season, earning it a spot in the top five on this list.
These injuries have affected some of the Packers’ star players. Aaron Jones and Christian Watson have missed multiple games due to nagging hamstring injuries. Elgton Jenkins has also sat out a few games. Meanwhile, David Bakhtiari is out for the remainder of the season, and Darnell Savage has been placed on injured reserve. Eric Stokes, who returned after nearly a year and a half, found himself back on injured reserve following the game against the Broncos.
De’Vondre Campbell has missed several games due to an ankle injury, and Jaire Alexander injured his back during practice, causing him to miss two games and be limited in the game against the Raiders. These are just a few of the many injuries the Packers have faced this season. Some fans are even beginning to wonder if Zayne Anderson is a real player on the roster.
Injuries have plagued the team in this young season, and it’s concerning how many have occurred in just six games. It’s a truly disheartening aspect of the 2023 season.
Number Four
At number four, we have a frightening issue. The defense is arguably the best aspect of this team, but here’s the kicker—it’s only mediocre at best.
When your team’s defense, led by Joe Barry, is its strongest phase, it’s a red flag. The Packers’ offense struggles to score in the first half of games, and the defense lacks the necessary consistency when it matters most. Despite that, if the defense manages to hold the opposing team to fewer than twenty points, the Packers should be winning. However, the offense can’t produce enough points on their own.
The Packers’ defense ranks in the middle of the league statistically, and it’s considered the team’s strongest unit. Unfortunately, this isn’t a favorable situation.
Number Three
The Packers struggle to close out games. They could have easily had a 5-1 record after the Broncos game if they had been able to finish games successfully. Apart from their game against the Lions, the Packers’ three other losses were all one-possession games:
- Lost to the Falcons by one point, 25-24.
- Fell to the Raiders by four points, 17-13.
- Were defeated by the Broncos by two points, 19-17.
If the Packers had found a way to close out those games, the season would be perceived quite differently at this point. However, as it stands now, the Packers just might be one of the worst teams in the NFL. If they continue to lose, even if those are close losses, that perspective may not change.
Number Two
The idea that Aaron Rodgers might have been carrying this team for the past several years should give Packers fans chills. In the first few games of the season, the Packers and Matt LaFleur were devising some great plays for Jordan Love and the offense. However, since then, the Packers’ offense has been apprehensive. It appears as though they are hesitant to allow Jordan Love to attempt throws beyond five yards down the field—except when they find themselves in a first-half deficit and need to catch up.
Some of the decisions and play calls made by Matt LaFleur have been questionable at best, raising the question: did Aaron Rodgers carry this coaching staff for the past several years? This, in turn, leads to more questions. Is Matt LaFleur the right person for the future? What about Offensive Coordinator Adam Stenavich? The way this offense has been performing has been less than inspiring, and in fact, it’s been rather alarming.
Top Five: Number One
The Green Bay Packers aren’t getting a favorable evaluation of this young team and Jordan Love. This is by far the most concerning aspect of this season so far. This season was supposed to be about evaluating the players and quarterback Jordan Love. However, because of how things have gone, the Packers don’t know more now than they did before the start of the season.
Love hasn’t really shown that he has earned an extension and can be the future franchise quarterback of this season. But in all honesty, he hasn’t really been given a chance. It has been challenging for him due to the youth around him. This makes it hard for the front office to evaluate Love at all. It’s kinda difficult to gauge a quarterback’s performance when he has no run game, and pass protection has been horrendous.
This season for the Packers was mostly for evaluation and to prepare for a significant push in 2024. However, that isn’t happening. And the question that likely worries the Green Bay Packers and their fans more than anything else is this:
Has this season been a waste so far?
Mark Murphy said that the Packers should know what they have in Jordan Love after he has played eight games. That is in serious doubt at this point in time.
With all the scary, dark nights, the dawn will still come. The Packers still have much of the season left. These top five alarming facts can quickly turn into just the highs and lows of a fantastic journey.
All we can do is watch.
Go Pack Go!
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Damon is a diehard, fully-immersed cheesehead who currently lives in southern Missouri. He teaches at a local high school and has a family YouTube channel about all things Packers. You can follow him on twitter at @packersfamily and on YouTube at The Packers Family.
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